MELVILLE, N.Y., Nov. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Henry Schein Cares, the global corporate social responsibility program of Henry Schein, Inc. (NASDAQ: HSIC), the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, medical and animal health practitioners, and Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity announced today the launch of the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program. The program was created in response to the White House's call to action to help Holocaust survivors in the United States age with dignity and support. The value of the dental care to be provided during the first year of this program is estimated to be approximately $1 million.
Vice President Joe Biden applauded the program at the General Assembly of Jewish Federation of North America on November 10, saying "…At least 25 percent of Holocaust survivors…in the United States…[are] living in poverty. With your encouragement, and the President's authority, I announced the appointment of a Special Envoy for U.S. Holocaust survivors to… [rally] volunteer organizations throughout the country, from AmeriCorps…to the Association of Jewish Families and Children's Agencies, to Alpha Omega Dental Fraternity and Henry Schein, giving free dental care to [250-300] survivors."
In January 2014, Jonathan Greenblatt, Special Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Social Innovation and Civic Participation in the Domestic Policy Council, described Aviva Sufian's appointment as the first Special Envoy for Holocaust Survivor Services by noting that she would "collaborate with nonprofit organizations and the private sector to raise awareness about the needs of this vulnerable population and explore public-private partnerships that could provide additional support." When Henry Schein and Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity heard from the Special Envoy about the dental needs of survivors, they created the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.
"Henry Schein and Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity firmly believe that there is an important opportunity for the creation of an innovative public-private partnership to improve the lives of this most deserving and vulnerable population," said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein, Inc. "We are honored to answer the White House's call to action, and hope that the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program will serve as a model for how other private and public sector actors can partner to help survivors age in the comfort and dignity they deserve."
The program is a pilot three-year initiative that will provide pro-bono dental care to a total of 250-300 Holocaust survivors across nine North American metropolitan areas in the first year. The program will commence in January 2015 in the following areas: Boston, Chicago, Detroit, New York City, the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, Philadelphia, Seattle, Montreal, and Toronto. The program will focus on providing care for the most economically vulnerable Holocaust survivors who are served by the network of Jewish Family and Children's Service agencies or other identified partner organizations, as well as individuals of any faith who were victims of Nazi persecution and meet the other eligibility requirements of the program. The individuals who will participate in the program will be directly referred through the local Jewish Family and Children's Service agencies or another identified local partner organization. In addition to financial need, the three critical factors in prioritizing patients for participation will be: elimination of pain, restoring function and lack of dental coverage. A clear set of clinical guidelines will direct the specific scope of care to be provided through this program.
"One of Alpha Omega's mission objectives is to promote and support the ideals of oral health. As an international Jewish dental organization we have a unique perspective and a special bond to Holocaust survivors," said Avi Wurman, DDS, President, Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity. "All of us recognize the need to improve the oral health and the quality of life of this most deserving segment of our population. Alpha Omegans are extremely proud to be an integral partner of the Alpha Omega - Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program."
Holocaust survivors in the United States are very much in need of support and services. One quarter of the approximately 120,000 Holocaust survivors in the United States live in poverty, in contrast to approximately 9% of the general population of the same age group. This population has special oral care needs, as many experienced prolonged nutritional deprivation and little to no dental care throughout their childhoods during World War II, which impacted their lifelong oral health.
"The Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies is truly appreciative of the partnership of Henry Schein and Alpha Omega to provide oral care services to 250-300 Holocaust survivors in need, which will allow our participating local agencies to provide even more and deeper services to this community," said Lee Sherman, President and CEO, Association of Jewish Family & Children's Agencies.
Generous financial support for the coordination of this program has been provided by The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation, the program's Guardian supporter; and Curt C. & Else Silberman Foundation, the program's Sustainer supporter. Additional generous financial support has been provided by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Bedford Health Care Solutions, The Dr. Edward B. Shils Entrepreneurial Fund, Inc., and the Wagner Family Foundation.
"Claire Friedlander was a child survivor of the Holocaust, hidden by righteous in Poland to flourish in life in New York City. Oral care was one of her passions—and to provide integral support to this program that serves the neediest of survivors is our privilege and responsibility," said Peter J. Klein, CFA, President of The Claire Friedlander Family Foundation.
Please click here to view a video about the Alpha Omega-Henry Schein Cares Holocaust Survivors Oral Health Program.
About Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity
The Alpha Omega International Dental Fraternity (AO) is the oldest international Jewish dental and medical organization. Founded in 1907 at the University of Maryland School of Dental Medicine, AO has expanded into an international community of dental professionals who are guided by the tenets of professionalism, fraternalism, and commitment to Judaic values.
With over 100 alumni and student chapters in 10 countries, AO members embrace the spirit of Tikkun Olam, or healing the world through charitable endeavors. As healers, our members strive to make their communities better. For more information, please contact Heidi Weber, AO Executive Director, at hweber@ao.org.
About Henry Schein Cares
Henry Schein Cares, Henry Schein's global corporate social responsibility program, stands on four pillars: engaging Team Schein Members to reach their potential, ensuring accountability by extending ethical business practices to all levels within Henry Schein, promoting environmental sustainability, and expanding access to health care for underserved and at-risk communities around the world. Health care activities supported by Henry Schein
Cares focus on three main areas: advancing wellness, building capacity in the delivery of health care services, and assisting in emergency preparedness and relief. Firmly rooted in a deep commitment to social responsibility and the concept of enlightened self-interest championed by Benjamin Franklin, the philosophy behind Henry Schein Cares is a vision of "doing well by doing good." Through the work of Henry Schein Cares to enhance access to care for those in need, the Company believes that it is furthering its long-term success.
About Henry Schein, Inc.
Henry Schein, Inc. is the world's largest provider of health care products and services to office-based dental, animal health and medical practitioners. The Company also serves dental laboratories, government and institutional health care clinics, and other alternate care sites. A Fortune 500® Company and a member of the NASDAQ 100® Index, Henry Schein employs more than 17,000 Team Schein Members and serves more than 800,000 customers.
The Company offers a comprehensive selection of products and services, including value-added solutions for operating efficient practices and delivering high-quality care. Henry Schein operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, with a selection of more than 96,000 branded products and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as more than 110,000 additional products available as special-order items. The Company also offers its customers exclusive, innovative technology solutions, including practice management software and e-commerce solutions, as well as a broad range of financial services.
Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein has operations or affiliates in 28 countries. The Company's sales reached a record $9.6 billion in 2013, and have grown at a compound annual rate of approximately 16 percent since Henry Schein became a public company in 1995. For more information, visit the Henry Schein website at www.henryschein.com.
SOURCE Henry Schein, Inc.
